This Forgotten Household Item Is Up to 20 Times Dirtier Than Toilet Seats. Here's How to Clean It
Remote controls are convenient, easy to use, and make life easier. However, they’re also one of those things around the house that rarely get cleaned, like your fridge water dispenser, vinyl records, and oven. Over time, your remote can get filthy, greasy, sticky, and harder to operate. When was the last time you cleaned your TV remote control? No need to answer. The good thing is that they're easy to clean. Here's what you need to know to do it right.
How to Clean a Remote Control
Cleaning a remote control is simple and you have different cleaners to choose from, including alcohol, sanitizing wipes, and vinegar.
Want to know how to clean a remote control like a pro? This is the easiest and standard way to clean a remote control.
Supplies
- Disinfectant wipes, isopropyl alcohol, or vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
Steps
- First things first, remove the batteries from your remote control. You don’t want to turn on or off any devices accidentally.
- Grab a disinfecting wipe or dampen a microfiber cloth with alcohol or vinegar. Make sure it’s not dripping. Wring out the cloth to remove any excess liquid.
- Use a wipe or a damp cloth to thoroughly wipe the remote control, including the small spaces between the buttons.
- When you are done, let it air dry and put the batteries back. Test the remote control to make sure it works.
Although baking soda is used to clean many household items, it is not recommended to clean remote controls as its fine particles could get stuck in the nooks and crannies.
Related: Don’t Let Battery Corrosion Ruin Your Devices. Here’s How to Clean It Safely at Home
How to Deep Clean and Sanitize a Remote Control
If your remote control is in need of some TLC, it’s time to get to work and give it a deep cleaning. Here’s how to sanitize your remote control.
Supplies
- Sanitizing wipes
- 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
- Toothbrush
- Toothpick
- Compressed air can
- Microfiber cloth
Steps
- Start by taking the batteries out of the remote.
- Use the toothbrush to remove and loosen any dust and debris from between the buttons.
- Grab a compressed air can and release the air to clear out any remaining dust and debris from the remote control.
- Use a toothpick to clean anything that’s really stuck in there. But don’t put too much pressure on any of the buttons.
- Spray the compressed air one more time for good measure.
- Satinize the remote using disinfecting wipes, alcohol, or vinegar.
- Put the batteries back inside. Test the remote control to make sure it works.
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How to Clean the Inside of a Remote Control
If your remote control isn’t functioning as intended, it may be time to clean the inside of it. Note: This involves disassembling the remote, so there’s a risk of ruining the device if not done properly. So proceed with caution.
Supplies
- 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
- Toothbrush
- Small flat screwdriver
- Toothpick
- Compressed air can
- Microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
Steps
- Remove the batteries.
- Place the remote control sideways and pull it with both of your hands. You’ll see the middle part starts to create a gap. Insert the screwdriver into the gap and slide it backward to finish disassembling the remote control.
- Carefully put both halves of the remote face up on a flat surface.
- Use the toothbrush to sweep out any dust and loose debris.
- Blow away any remaining dust and debris using a compressed air can.
- Grab a toothpick to clean anything that’s really stuck in between. Do this gently so you don’t damage your remote.
- Apply compressed air from all angles once again.
- Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and gently rub it inside and outside both halves of the remote.
- Dampen the microfiber cloth with alcohol and wipe the entire remote control.
- Let it air dry.
- Put the remote back together.
- Let it air dry and put the batteries back.
How to Clean Battery Corrosion in a Remote Control
Cleaning battery corrosion in remote controls is simple. All you need is a little bit of vinegar or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, gloves, goggles, and cotton swabs.
- Wear gloves and goggles.
- Remove the batteries; if corroded, replace them.
- Wipe out the excess corrosion buildup with cotton swabs.
- Submerge a cotton swap into the vinegar or alcohol and wipe the remote thoroughly.
- Let the remote dry and place new batteries inside.
How to Clean an Apple TV Remote Control
If your Apple TV remote control feels sticky and has grime on it, this is how you can clean it:
Supplies
- 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
Steps
- Soak a microfiber cloth with alcohol. Make sure it is not dripping.
- Use it to wipe the entire remote control, including between the buttons.
- Let the remote air dry.
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What is a substitute for rubbing alcohol for cleaning remotes?
You have various options to substitute alcohol, including vinegar and sanitizing wipes.
Why do TV remotes get sticky? How can you remove the stickiness?
If you eat and watch TV at the same time, there’s your answer. Same goes if you cough or sneeze into your hands. Unless you wash your hands before using the remote control, which you probably do not, then you are transferring anything your hands have come in contact with to the remote control.
You can remove the stickiness of the remote control by using a microfiber cloth dampened in alcohol. You can thoroughly rub and clean the remote control. Remember to remove the batteries first before you start cleaning.
What cleaning products are safe for remotes?
There are many products that are safe to use on remotes, including:
- Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
- Compressed air
- Sanitizing wipes